The provinces, with their capitals in parentheses, are: According to the 2007 Peru Census, the first language learned by most of the residents was Quechua (70.58%) followed by Spanish (29.01%).

The following table shows the results concerning the language learnt first in the Apurímac Region by province:[1] Over 80% of the population identifies as Quechua as of 2017.

Chronicles relate that the Chancas prepared themselves for years to conquer the imperial city of Cusco.

By the time the conquerors established the first political organization of the Colony, almost the whole extension of the current region was under the jurisdiction of the authorities of Huamanga; nevertheless, there is no recollection on the foundation of cities and towns.

It was not until April 28, 1873, that a law was given to create the department of Apurímac, based on the provinces of Andahuaylas (Ayacucho), Antabamba, Aymaraes and Cotabambas (Cusco), and naming Abancay as its capital.

Its main church is the Cathedral de San Pedro, built in Colonial style architecture.

Another notable place favored by visitors is Talavera de la Reyna, located 4 km (2.5 mi) from Andahuaylas.

The main square or Plaza de Armas is remarkable, built in stone with an impressive tower with a clock.

Chalhuanca, the capital of the province of Aymaraes, located at 2,800 m (2,100 ft), preserves beautiful churches built during Colonial times, containing fine wood carvings and gold leaf.

A detailed account of Apurímac 's architecture can be found in the works of Peruvian Writer and architect Armando Arteaga.

In Antabamba, trepanations so accurately performed that astonishing medicines have been found there, in addition to mud sculptures, weapons, domestic utensils, and hunting implements.

Traceable to ancient times, this is prepared by building a fire surrounded by stones, on the center of which potatoes are placed until done.

A dish that is also well known in Apurímac is potatoes and eggs with uchullaqwa, a sauce made with chili, cottage cheese and Tagetes minuta, a culinary herb known in Peru as wakatay, a word that derives from the Quechua language.

In Grau, bullfights are organized, and the day before, the torril velacuy or velada de toros takes place to drive away evil spirits and avoid any harm to the toreros.

In Aymaraes, a sling tournament between several districts takes place, a kind of duel, at times typically leaving several participants wounded.

This Marian advocation is also known as Machacha Cocharcas and is one of the most adored in Apurimac and throughout Peru since the sixteenth century.

The whole town of Antabamba is invited to dance, drink, eat or to the bullfights and horse racing.